A MALDON pub has scored a hat-trick after winning Cider Pub of the Year for the third year running.

The Carpenters Arms, of Gate Street, Maldon, has been awarded Cider Pub of the Year for Maldon and the Dengie by Maldon Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), after previously winning in 2015 and 2016.

The pub is run by John Walpole and his partner Julia Wingfield, who were presented with the award at a special evening in the pub held this month.

Julia said: “John and I are humbled to receive this award for the third time. We’d like to thank the local Branch of CAMRA for their support.

“Over the late May Bank Holiday weekend, we will be hosting a Cider and Beer Festival at the pub, where we will be serving 60 traditional ciders, including some brewed in France and 30 real ales.”

Chris Harvey, Chairman of Maldon and Dengie CAMRA, said: “In the past couple of years there has been considerable growth in the real cider and perry market nationally and locally. An increasing number of drinkers are discovering the fantastic variety of ciders and perries that are now available, and the Carpenters Arms offers a superb selection for people in our area to sample.”